Iran's Parliament Speaker Declares New Management for Strait of Hormuz
Iran's Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf has stated that the Strait of Hormuz will not revert to its pre-war operational status. He asserted that Iran will manage the strategic waterway under its own arrangements while adhering to international regulations. The statement was made during an interview upon his return from Switzerland on Monday, following the initial round of technical talks with the United States as part of a 14-point memorandum of understanding between the two sides.
"Everyone should know that the administration of the Strait of Hormuz will never go back to the way it was before the war," Ghalibaf said, as reported by Iranian state media Press TV. He added, "Of course, international regulations will be observed, but Iran will administer the Strait of Hormuz."
Iran's Negotiating Leverage Demonstrated in Switzerland Talks
Ghalibaf claimed that Iran demonstrated significant negotiating leverage during the recent talks in Switzerland, influencing the outcome of discussions. He alleged that Iran compelled the United States to revise a social media post within an hour, in which US President Donald Trump threatened Iran over its support for proxy groups in the region, particularly in Lebanon, referring to Hezbollah. Ghalibaf described this as evidence of Iran's diplomatic impact.
Referring to the broader regional situation, the Iranian Speaker said ongoing negotiations were linked to wider conflicts, including developments in Lebanon. He reiterated Iran's position of distrust towards the United States, stating, "We have never trusted the Americans; we don't trust them now, and it is only reasonable to remain distrustful in the future."
Iran's Participation Helped Prevent Further Escalation
Ghalibaf claimed that Iran's participation in the Switzerland talks helped prevent further escalation in regional tensions. He said discussions addressed issues related to Lebanon's territorial integrity and regional ceasefire arrangements, adding that Iran continues to monitor developments. "Had we not gone to Switzerland [for talks with the US], more blood would have been shed among Muslims and Shias in Lebanon at any moment," he said.
Ghalibaf further reiterated Iran's political stance, calling for unity under the country's leadership and stating that final authority lies with the Supreme Leader of Iran, Ayatollah Seyyed Mojtaba Khamenei. "We must remain united under the leadership of Ayatollah Seyyed Mojtaba Khamenei and recognise that his word and directives are final," the speaker added.
Outcomes of Tehran-Washington Discussions
Ghalibaf also said that the release of frozen Iranian funds and easing of oil sanctions were outcomes of the recent Tehran-Washington discussions held in Switzerland. The remarks came after the conclusion of the initial round of technical talks as part of the MoU aimed at ending hostilities in West Asia between the US and Iran. Both sides agreed to establish a High-Level Committee and a roadmap towards a final agreement within 60 days.
